YAY! Last chapter in this first book! It's also technically the tenth! Well I have to say the reviews have made my day! This chapter is dedicated to all of you guys who have read this! Look out for the sequel! It's called "an Avatar's Blessing". Just look for the Goddess penname. I might put a short story in between the two books. I thought of it last night while I was in bed. It will be called "Forgotten". Read it when you get the chance. It's not up yet but I'll post it soon after this! Well Enjoy! R&R!
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DESTINY'S REWARD
CH. 8
AN AVATAR'S BLESSING
In the weeks that followed Aang walked around all smiley again. Sokka and Toph knew the big news and walked around in a similar way. The four decided to keep it a secret as long as possible. Aang loved surprises. Sokka had decided to stay in Ba Sing Se until the baby was born. Katara and Aang had a separate guesthouse on their property, which was perfect for Sokka and Tia. Although they tried to keep it a secret, the news got around in a few months time.
One day, Katara and Aang decided to go shopping for the new baby. Katara kept seeing things out of the corner of her eyes and always investigated. Eventually boxes and bags covered Aang. "Awww, Aang! Look at these little shoes!" or "Aang! That would be perfect for the nursery!" would come out of Katara's mouth every 5 minutes!
"Katara, can we put these things back at the house? It's getting a little heavy!" Aang said under his pile. Katara turned and realized all of the things they had been getting and burst out laughing! "Sorry, Sweetie. Let me help you with some things."
Basically that was all the group did for the longest period of time. Eventually they decided to actually start setting up the nursery. Sokka and Aang came back one day with arms full of paint and paint supplies. "Let's get to work!"
When they were finished with the room it was a light yellow shade. The cradle in the room was a light blue with polka dots on the skirt. A gossamer canopy hung over it to keep the bugs away. The changing station matched the cradle and a white rocking chair stood in the corner. Many soft toys and other things like diapers, towels, and blankets were around the room in their own bins. The carpet was soft and plush, also a light blue color. The ceiling had a special device, created by Teo and his father, that would change from sun to moon when you flipped the switch (A/N: You might have seen from the movie Spirited Away but a little different). "Perfect," Katara said.
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In the months that followed, the baby's due date was getting closer and closer. At first, Katara was very moody, mainly towards Sokka. She would eventually calm down, but she made sure that there was calming incense burning everywhere. As a bender, she could hurt some one if provoked, mainly provoked by Sokka.
Although he had a long break, Aang was forced to go back to help straighten out the worlds problems. He went to meetings almost every day. Sometimes they were short and he came home before lunch. Sometimes they were long and he came back in the evening exhausted. The meetings no matter how short or how long were always dreadfully boring. Not much progress was ever made. The ambassadors and generals would sometimes disagree on things, which put everything behind schedule. During one particular meeting two ambassadors from the Earth Kingdom got into a bending fight. It took all of Aang's strength to calm it down. He came home ready to pass out. Not just from the fight, but also the subject that started it. The rebels had struck again. They were mainly staying on the coast, but the Earth King feared that they might get closer and closer, eventually with range of Ba Sing Se. The rebellion was gathering more and more allies, bribing the people with money, goods, or the promise of power.
"Aang, why don't you let me do the dishes tonight. You seem exhausted," Sokka offered after dinner.
"It's alright. I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You should go and get some rest. You've had a long day," Katara said walking in. She grabbed Aang by the shoulders and pushed him out of the kitchen. "Go on. I'll be up in a minute," Aang sighed and gave in.
After helping Sokka with the dishes she went upstairs. "Hey. You've been a little gloomy lately. You want to talk about it?" Katara said sitting down on the bed next to Aang. He was laying face down with his shirt and shoes already off. He sighed.
"It's these meetings. Those annoying rebellions have been terrorizing the coast. Kuei is worried they will come inland here to Ba Sing Se. Azula is behind this I just know it. The meeting are keeping me away from home where I'm needed," he replied.
Katara changed into her nightgown and climbed back in the bed, snuggling up to Aang. "It's all right. We're fine here at home. Besides, most of these meetings are quickly over and you're back here in no time. Don't worry about us."
"I can't help but worry about you. The baby can come any day now and I'm needed here the most. It's just…. A lot on my conscience."
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"I say we do something about it! We should go down to the coast right now and put an end to those rebels!"
"I say we calmly speak with them and try to find a consensus. No need to start fighting yet! It has barely been ten years sense Ozai was killed and already you want to start another war!"
A general and an ambassador were fighting over the subject of the rebels again. They had just been reported to destroy another Earth Kingdom town. At the moment they were discussing what to do about it. Aang wasn't really listening though. He was just day dreaming like he normally did, although he would shift his focus between to two arguers to make it appear like he was listening. "What do you say, sir?" Aang was broken from his train of thoughts. All eyes were on him. He stood.
"I agree with general How. I've dealt with Azula before. She needs to be put to an end in order to stop this rebellion. She is the mastermind behind this entire cult. She is seeking revenge to her father's death and power," Aang sat down and let his words sink in.
After a pause General Sung spoke up. "So we should make plans to leave. We must gather up our soldiers and leave in a week. The sooner the better. No more will we sit by and argue while those poor towns and villages are destroyed by that monster!"
"I agree with General Sung. All in favor, say 'I'," The Earth King said. All of the council, even those who were reluctant, agreed. Aang was the only one left who was undecided. "Aang? What about you?" Kuei asked. He knew that they were expecting a baby and wanted to know if it was all right with Aang.
"What. Like he is going to say 'no'!" General Shi stated. Kuei shot him a glare.
"I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it."
With that, Aang stood up and left, leaving behind a room full of murmuring generals.
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When he got back home, he saw Katara, Sokka, and Toph out in the garden. Tia was toddling around investigating her surroundings. Aang gave a weak smile and walked into the house. Katara got up and followed him. "Hey, is everything ok?" she asked.
"It's the rebellions. They want to send me away to help with the rebellions," he replied.
"What did you say?"
"I told them that I would think about it." Aang gave Katara a peck on the cheek and left.
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It was in the evening when it happened. Aang was reading some scrolls and the others were outside. All of the sudden he heard Katara scream. "AAAAAANGGGGG!!!!!!"
He dashed out of the house. "What's the matter?" He looked at her face and found the answer. "Oh no… Toph! Go find the doctor! Sokka, help me get Katara inside!"
In five minutes the doctor and nurse were there. "Why don't we wait outside? We shouldn't get in their way," Aang suggested. So Toph, Aang, and Sokka waited outside. Within minutes Aang and Sokka took up pacing. "Oh no! The pacing!" Toph quickly pulled her feet off the floor. They waited in silence, almost as if by breaking the silence they would mess everything up. They anxiously strained to hear if there were any problems. Finally, after an hour, they heard the infant's cry. Sokka and Toph rushed in immediately. Aang stood outside too happy for words, too happy to move. The nurse came out, shooing the other's out too.
"Would you like to see your new daughter, sir?" Aang followed her into the room. He saw Katara sitting in the bed with tears in her eyes. She was staring down at the tiny bundle in her arms. He walked over and gave her a kiss. He looked down to see the small baby looking up at him. "She has your eyes," Katara whispered. "What should we name her?"
Aang thought. "Niao Hua. My flower," Aang replied. He took the baby as Katara fell asleep. He sat on the bed and looked at the sleeping child. She had dark curly hair and a little nose like her mother's. Her pale complexion and her eyes were that of her father's. The other's walked in finally to see the baby. Aang hoisted Tia up on the bed with him. "This is your little cousin, Tia."
Tia gently touched the baby's fingers. When she touched her cheeks the baby's eyes flew open. "Nee-ya…" Tia sounded out. The adults gasped. How could she already know her cousin's name? "Nia…" Tia repeated. Nia cooed. Tia leaned forward and gave her cousin a little kiss on the cheek (A/N: AWWWWWW!). From that moment on there was a special bond between the two. They would always be the best of friends no matter what. Sokka took his new niece into his arms. "Welcome to the family, Nia."
Aang thought this had to be the happiest day of his life. He knew what his answer would be to the Earth King tomorrow. He knew the replies it would get, but he didn't care. This new life would change his forever. It was truly an Avatar's Blessing.
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YYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I'M DONE WITH THIS SECTION!! Nia will be a cutie! I really hope you enjoyed this first part of the story! I have to say this is the longest chapter in this book. I'm really excited about starting the next book! Well, I hope you look up my stories every now and then to check and see if there is anything new! Well without further ado, I finish DESTINY'S REWARD! Thanks Aangsfan and kataangfan22 for always reading and replying! I hope everyone else enjoyed the story! Peace out!